Master of Asian Studies
The information on this page applies to future students. Current students should refer to their faculty handbooks for course information.
With a population of almost 4 billion, Asia represents 60 per cent of the globe. In recent years, dynamic cultural and economic transformation has seen Asian countries come to the forefront of global importance. Australia today is tied to Asia more than ever before, in terms of intensifying cultural contacts, immigration, tourism, commerce and trade, and strategic alliances. At the University of Sydney, you can study with leading experts in Asian societies, languages and cultures, colonial and postcolonial histories, and the modern rural and urban social structures. The University of Sydney was the first academic institution in Australia to recognise the importance of Asia, dating back to the establishment of the Department of Oriental Studies in 1918. Since then, our expertise in Asian Studies has flourished and we now offer a comprehensive range of interdisciplinary studies related to Asia.
The Master of Asian Studies offers students a variety of fulfilling career opportunities. Graduates have found work in both the private and public sectors, in Australia and overseas in many countries in Asia, in international business, teaching, translating and interpreting, international journalism, diplomacy, international development organisations, tourism, the hospitality industry and government.
Please note: The Master of Asian Studies will not be available from semester 1, 2014.
Units of study
For full information on Units of Study available in this course, please visit the Sydney Courses website
Full units of study list
- ARHT6937 - Curating Asian Art
- ARTS7000 - Academic Communication for Postgraduates
- ASNS6010 - Asian Language Acquisition 1
- ASNS6011 - Asian Language Acquisition 2
- ASNS6091 - Dissertation in Asian Studies (1)
- ASNS6092 - Dissertation in Asian Studies (2)
- ASNS6097 - Supervised Reading in Asian Studies (1)
- ASNS6098 - Supervised Reading in Asian Studies (2)
- ASNS6900 - Contemporary Asian Societies
- ASNS6901 - Japan in the Western Imagination
- ASNS6903 - Theory and Method in Asian Studies
- ASNS6905 - Asian Popular Culture
- ASNS6906 - Communicating in Asian Contexts
- ASNS6908 - Media Industries in East Asia
- ASNS6910 - War and Peace in East Asia
- GOVT6108 - Democracy and Development in SE Asia
- GOVT6111 - Chinese Politics
Embedded courses
Further course information
Study plan
The MAsianStud requires the satisfactory completion of 8 units of study (48 credit points) (cp). One core unit of study ASNS6900 Contemporary Asian Societies (6cp) is required in the subject area. The remaining units of study are selected from the approved list of electives, or undertaken in a relevant or related field, subject to the approval of the academic coordinator. Candidates electing to undertake a dissertation (12cp) must prepare a research proposal and discuss their topic with the academic coordinator prior to enrolling. Approval is subject to the department's discretion and the availability of an appropriate academic supervisor. The dissertation is normally undertaken over two semesters and comprises research and writing toward a project of approximately 12,000 words.
Progression rules
Under normal progression, a student shall undertake and successfully complete all units of study to the value of 24 credit points per semester as prescribed for the course. Candidates must maintain a credit average result or above, normally over at least the first four units of study, in order to qualify for admission to the dissertation units of study. Students are required to attend all lectures, tutorials and other activities prescribed for their units of study.
Capstone experience
Eligible candidates undertaking the degree of Master of Asian Studies have the option of completing a dissertation on an approved topic over two units of study, normally undertaken over two semesters, with a value of 12 credit points, under the supervision of an academic staff member.
Course outcomes and further study
Graduate opportunities
Graduates of the Master of Asian Studies degree will hold an advanced qualification which may qualify them for further study or a range of careers in government, private enterprise or cultural organisations.
The focus on Asia recognises the increasing importance for Australia to produce more graduates trained in Asian languages and studies. This course is designed for graduates with a personal or professional interest in Asian socio-cultural studies and may lead to a career in a related area, for example teaching, or media relations in an Asian corporation.
Further study
Graduates of the Master of Asian Studies who have completed a dissertation with a meritorious grade are eligible to pursue a higher degree by research in their chosen subject area.
Admission
Admission requirements
Admission to candidature for the Master of Asian Studies requires:
(a) a bachelor’s degree with a minimum credit (65%) average, from the University of Sydney, with a major in a relevant subject area in the humanities or social sciences, or an equivalent qualification;
(b) completion of the requirements for the Graduate Certificate or Graduate Diploma in Asian Studies with a minimum credit (65%) average, or an equivalent qualification.
Available places will be offered to qualified applicants based on merit, according to the admissions criteria. In exceptional circumstances the Dean may admit applicants without these qualifications but whose evidence of experience and achievement is deemed by the Dean to be equivalent. For the admissions criteria see section 5, Admission to candidature, of the course resolutions
How to apply
Domestic students
How to apply
Applications are made to the University Admissions Centre (UAC) - click on the 'Apply now' icon on this page to proceed with your application.
Please note: not all courses are offered in the July semester intake.
International students
How to apply
Overseas applicants may apply (i) directly to the University, or (ii) through a University overseas representative (education agent).
Fee disclaimer
Domestic students
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount
Indicative postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Asian Studies.
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount
Annual review for postgraduate student contribution amount not available for Master of Asian Studies.
Postgraduate Domestic Tuition Fee
This 2013, tuition fee for a domestic postgraduate student represents the fee that is payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2012 for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review for postgraduate domestic tuition fee
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review by the University, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the student contribution and/or course fee. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing and equipment. For further information about these additional incidental fees, please visit the University's Future Students' website.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information in this prospectus, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.
The academic requirements that are displayed are applicable to currently available courses only, and are updated annually in October and may be changed without notice. The Faculty Handbook and the University of Sydney Calendar are the official legal source of information relating to study at the University of Sydney, and you are referred to those documents
Please note that if you are classified by the University as a Research Training Scheme student in accordance with the Other Grants Guidelines (Research) 2010, you will be exempt from the payment of any SCA or tuition fees for courses undertaken as part of a Research Masters degree and Research Doctoral degree. More information about your eligibility for this Scheme is available here.
International students
International tuition fees for postgraduate students
This 2013, tuition fee for international postgraduate students represents the fees that are payable by you in the calendar year you commence your course, commencing in 2013, for a standard annual full time load of 48 credit points (1.0 EFTSL). If your study load is more or less than the 1.0 EFTSL your fee will differ.
Annual review
Importantly, tuition fees are subject to annual review, and are likely to increase each year of your period of study, effective at the start of each calendar year.
Additional incidental fees and health insurance
For some courses there are incidental fees additional to the tuition fees. Some of those fees are significant, for example, faculty-specific materials, tools, protected clothing, and equipment. The University's Future Students' webpage has further information about these additional incidental fees for postgraduate coursework students and postgraduate research students.
In addition to the fees indicated here for the course of study, International Students studying on an Australian Student Visa must have appropriate health insurance for the duration of their studies on a Student Visa through an approved provider of the Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC) scheme. This is a requirement of the Australian Government, unless otherwise exempted by the Government.
Potential for inaccuracy
Whilst every reasonable effort has been made to include correct and up to date information here, you are also advised to consult directly with the Student Centre for domestic students or the International Office for international students so that they can provide you with specific and up to date information about those fees.